R1
– slides during digging or cutting the block

R2
slides during approach (climbing up the slope above the block) or stepping gently onto it.

R3
slides during knee bend

R4
slides during first jump

R5
slides during second jump

R6
slides during move to middle of block, deep knee bend and 3 jumps

R7 – does not slide
– does not slide

If the block fails before step R5
the snow is showing signs of instability

STEP 1.
Make sure your snow pit (described above) is at least as wide as your skis.

STEP 2
Use a snow saw to cut the sides of the block up the slope about a ski pole length.

STEP 3
The critical step: Cut across the entire back of the block as deeply as possible (should be as deep as the front). This is also most easily done using a snow saw.

STEP 4
Notice at which point the block breaks and a layer slides off: